#10QuestionswithMaxwell Interview Series: Daryl Chew, Chairman of Maxwell Chambers

In this #10QuestionsWithMaxwell interview, we feature Daryl Chew, Chairman of Maxwell Chamber, and Managing Partner at Three Crowns LLP. He has an active portfolio of arbitrations involving a wide range of applicable laws and venues, arising from energy, construction, M&A, joint venture, and general commercial disputes.

Daryl also serves as presiding arbitrator, co-arbitrator and sole arbitrator in institutional and ad hoc arbitration proceedings.

Chambers and The Legal 500 commend his “outstanding track record”, “superb written advocacy”, “valuable strategic input”, and recommend him for “consistently high-quality work”. Clients in these directories observe that he “scores highly for excellence in proceedings that turn on complex points of law” and describe him as “a brilliant all-round talent” and a “phenomenal advocate with the ability to turn the most complex facts in a case into simple, attractive and persuasive argument”. Daryl features as a “Global Leader” in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration, which describes him as “a top name for international arbitration” with “great problem-solving skills”.

Prior editions of Who’s Who Legal have ranked him as “one of the brightest” and “most highly regarded” partners in the Asia Pacific. He also features in the inaugural “Legal 500 Arbitration Powerlist – Southeast Asia” and was named among “30 People to Watch in the Business of Law in Asia in 2022” by Asia Law Portal.

In this interview, Daryl shares his experiences and perspectives on arbitration, advice for younger aspiring arbitrators, 3 fun facts about himself, and more.

Read his full interview below:

Q: What motivated your decision to enter the legal profession and specialize in international arbitration?

I did not initially seek a career in the law, let alone specialize in international arbitration. After law school and my judicial clerkship with the Singapore Supreme Court, I aspired to a career in finance or entrepreneurship, and it was a serendipitous confluence of opportunities and the kindness of mentors that set me on the path that led me to where I am today. I have no regrets as an “accidental lawyer”.

Q: If you were to propose one reform within the arbitral system, what would it be?

Increased adoption of harmonized ethical standards and expectations, which will create a more transparent, level playing field for party representatives from different legal traditions and backgrounds.

Q: What aspects do you find more rewarding about serving as an arbitrator? As counsel?

As counsel, I enjoy the challenge of solving commercial and legal problems, the adventure of exploring different industries in the fast-paced world of international commerce, romance of the cultural crossroads inherent in our field, thrill of the thrust and parry and of course honing the craft of advocacy in different forums before diverse tribunals. As arbitrator, you enjoy different dimensions of these, with more detachment and less intensity – both are equally rewarding and complementary.

Q: It has been three years since your appointment as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Maxwell Chambers? How would you describe your experience so far?

It has been a privilege to serve such an iconic institution, and to help curate a wide range of initiatives designed to benefit the international arbitration community. I assumed the role amid the Covid-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions meant that bookings for physical ADR facilities had fallen off a cliff. We took the opportunity to re-imagine our role and relevance, upgraded our facilities and developed a series of community and thought leadership initiatives which are now bearing fruit. Reflecting on the last three years, with the benefit of a record year of ADR bookings in 2023, I am glad to say that we have emerged from the pandemic, more resilient and energised for the next chapter. I am especially grateful to the wonderful Maxwell Chambers team, who are committed to improving the user experience and adding value to our community.

Q: As Chairman of the Board, what are your aspirations for Maxwell Chambers? What can the ADR community look forward to?

We are focused on three core aspects of our identity:

Redefining Hearings: We continue to invest heavily to ensure that users enjoy a seamless hearing experience, with access to state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology. These include drone site-mapping services, custom-built holographic screens, and other forms of augmented reality designed to bring the dispute locale and subject matter into the hearing room, in ways that will transform the user experience. We believe we are the first to systematically offer and facilitate the use of these technologies in the arbitration context.

Thought Leadership: We have pivoted from being a “place” to a “space” – a safe, neutral forum where the community can engage, create and have access to content that advances the practice of international arbitration. We have launched a series of interviews and podcasts that explore multi-disciplinary perspectives, which we hope will enrich and empower users – in particular the next generation – to share their ideas and learn from others. We also have plans for a signature event that we hope will build the foundations for more thought leadership in Asia – watch this space.

Building the Community: We are privileged to have a collegial community and want to preserve this culture and curate opportunities for others starting out to grow their network, and mentor others. We continue to create events that showcase our Singapore culture and heritage, from gastronomy to art, that provide a unique backdrop for others to come together.

These are just some of the exciting initiatives to come – if you have ideas, please let me and the team know – we would love to collaborate.

Q: Where do you see technology shaping arbitration practice and what potential impacts do you foresee?

Arbitration is becoming more complex – we are faced with more volatile and ambiguous environments. The challenge today is managing complexity, processing large amounts of information, evolving parameters, and making the right judgments in face of competing interests and uncertainty. There is a proliferation of technology and tools to manage information, which is a distinct category of technology from those focused on the ‘hearing experience’ (see above). AI will profoundly shape the way we practice, transform how young lawyers learn the craft and the roles that they eventually play, it will also shape client’s expectations of value. The change will be significant, transformative. While it may not be as immediately perceptible in the near term, we must not underestimate the long-term impact of AI on our field.

Q: Throughout your career, who have been your biggest inspiration(s)?

My biggest inspirations have been the humility, kindness and generosity that underpin the brilliance of trailblazers in the field, and they include the late Professor Emmanuel Gaillard and VK Rajah SC, both of whom I have had the privilege to work closely with. It is of course a constant source of inspiration working with colleagues at 3C, who are not only leaders in the field but great compatriots and dear friends.

Q: How can younger arbitration practitioners position themselves most effectively in the current market?

Seek out mentors and like-minded colleagues. Ask for advice. Move out of your comfort zone and learn as much as you can. Show up, consistently, and add value. Do your best work in all seasons. This ethos will help lay the foundation for trusted relationships – integral to a sustainable, fulfilling practice in the long term.

Q: How does a typical day look like for you?

It’s difficult to describe a typical day, which varies greatly depending on the lifecycle of the disputes we’re involved in and an active travel schedule. But it generally revolves around different facets of finding solutions to unique challenges, with clients, colleagues, and with my two children, aged 10 and 6 years!

Q: Lastly, share 3 fun facts not many know about you.